TRYING TIMES
Lloris insists Spurs stars are giving it best shot
HUGO LLORIS is convinced Tottenham’s players are trying their hardest despite their disappointing start to the season.
The captain has always been quick to slap down his team-mates if he feels there has been a drop in performance.
In April he slammed them as “disgraceful” after their Europa League exit to Dinamo Zagreb in one of Jose Mourinho’s final games in charge.
And in 2014, when Mauricio Pochettino was the new boss struggling to make an impact at White Hart Lane, Lloris lashed out at them for being “too comfortable”.
Feelings were running high at the London Stadium after Spurs slumped to a 1-0 defeat against West Ham, with Harry Kane (right) again struggling in what was their fourth derby defeat already this season.
This time, though, Lloris feels the players are giving it their all.
“We know that there are a lot of expectations, same as every season, on our shoulders and the players have a responsibility to do their best,” he said.
“And when I see all the players I think they are trying to do their best. Sometimes it does not work but that is not the moment to give up. We need to carry on with a good energy and positiveness.
“We cannot give up. There are many games ahead of us and we are going to try to improve individually and collectively.
“Clearly we need to keep working, keep fighting.
“There is no big difference between the teams for the European places. “Consistency is the key. When you face a direct opponent you have to take the points or at least, as I say, not lose. It is painful and we need to move on.”
Nuno Espirito Santo has four more points than Pochettino did in November 2014 when the 10th Premier League game of the season became a must-win at Aston Villa. With Spurs losing 1-0 with six minutes to go, Poch told his staff to prepare to be sacked. The subsequent 2-1 win was a turning point.
Nuno’s 10th Premier League game is at home to Manchester United on Saturday evening, a match that is becoming huge for both managers.